Surrey club to host charity match for Tom Parker

Dorking Wanderers will host the second charity football match celebrating the life of The Wanted's Tom Parker.

The singer died in 2022 from a brain tumour at the age of 33.

His wife, Kelsey Parker, is organising a celebrity football event on Father's Day (16 June) to raise money and awareness of brain tumours.

She said she wanted to continue Mr Parker's legacy and his wish to raise awareness of more funding being needed for brain tumour research.

Mrs Parker said: "It's a day to celebrate Tom and all of the other dads who are no longer with us."

In 2023, the inaugural event held at Bromley FC raised £30,000 for Ahead of The Game brain tumour charity.

Mrs Parker added: "It’s also so important for my own two children to have a Father’s Day in aid of their dad Tom and we can’t thank Dorking Wanderers F.C for stepping in last minute to host us."

Her husband found fame in The Wanted, with songs including Glad You Came, All Time Low, Heart Vacancy and Lightning.

The 2023 match featured celebrities including Coronation Street actors Ryan Thomas and Scott Thomas, McFly’s Harry Judd and footballers Jermain Pennant and Katie Chapman.

Kris Lea, the club's executive director, said Bromley were unable to host this year following promotion to the English Football League.

He added: "At Dorking Wanderers we’re doing everything we can to ensure this really is a family day with not just well-known celebrities and former professional footballers but also offering some great food and drink and something for everyone."

The event, to be overseen by ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean, will take place on 16 June with kick off at 13:30 BST.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.